LONDON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - British defence firm BAE Systems
named Charles Woodburn as its chief operating officer,
making the former oil executive heir apparent for the chief
executive's role.

BAE's statement on Monday followed media reports on Sunday
that Woodburn would be appointed to the role before taking over
the top job from Ian King in 12 to 18 months. King has run BAE
since 2008 having formerly been chief operating officer.

Woodburn, 44, who formerly worked at oilfield services
company Schlumberger and is currently chief executive at
private equity-backed Expro, will join in the second quarter of
2016 and be paid a base salary of 750,000 pounds ($1.1 million).

King highlighted Woodburn's international focus as an
advantage for BAE, the third biggest defence company globally,
which makes over a third of its sales in the U.S. and Canada,
and a fifth in Saudi Arabia.

"As a highly qualified engineer with considerable
international business experience, Charles will strengthen and
broaden the strategic and operational capabilities of the
business as a welcome and valuable addition to the leadership
team," King said in a statement.
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